crne critical thinking questions

[pdemmy77]

I would be writting crne oct 1st 2014, does anyone knows the tips to answering critical thinking questions on the crne, have been doing lots of practice questions, still dont get the critical thinking...

[CaffeinePOstat]

I hope your studying is going well! I've been in your shoes just recently with the June exam. Is there any specific practice question you are unsure of? Perhaps someone could explain how to work through critical thinking by having an example.

Keep practicing those types of questions if you're not strong in them, especially since the majority of the CRNE questions will be on critical thinking and changes in health. Focus on all the rationales, whether you got the question right or wrong. You could pick up the type of information they are testing on. Also,I would refer to the references the prep books provide to understand each concept more in detail. When answering the question, ask yourself "which option will keep my client the safest, which directly affects the client, do I need to further assess/collect data? Which intervention can be done safely and easily"...think of Client safety! And your ABCs.

here is an example:

Brian has a gastrointestinal bleed and experienced hematemesis and cramping melena diarrhea. He is very anxious and afraid he will die. Lab reports are: Hgb 90g/L, Hct 35%. What priorities are most important?

a) ensuring urine output is at least 1200cc/24hrs

b) maintaining adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation

c) giving medications to reduce the cramps and diarrhea

d) giving an antiemetic to lessen nausea and vomiting

The answer is B. Why? The key word in the question is "priority" meaning what should be done ASAP to keep the client safe. The question provides a lot of information regarding sign and symptoms but you always have to think airway, breathing, circulation. Most of the time, if oxygenation is an option, it's the correct answer even though in this question, the client's diagnosis seems to be more of a GI issue. His lab values, bleeding and feeling anxious requires oxygen as an intervention. In reality, you would do all the options shown but the first (priority..can't wait) thing to do us provide oxygen.

Critical thinking is difficult since it involves having the knowledge and how to apply it, on top of problem solving. Do not add information to a question given but you have to identify which information is the most important to first pay attention to.

Just keep practising and looking for rationales for why would a nurse do such an intervention. Sometimes a question will give 3 options with things a nurse to do and the 4th option is to assess or collect further data.. Think of the nursing process (assess, diagnose, intervene, evaluate) thus usually you would pick the option to assess before doing anything. Last tip, remember we are tested as entry-level nurses so keep it simple and avoid being tricked by fancy words.

Good luck with your studies and the CRNE! Studying will be hard at times but you are on the path of being successful :)

[pdemmy77]

Thank u, this really helps...

[CanadianGirl79]

When you're doing practice questions (and during the exam too, if you wish) underline or circle the key words and phrases. Look for things like "should do first" or "immediate". Try to separate the information you need from the extra stuff that is sometimes there but doesn't matter.

Good luck! :)

[nursecejay]

Critical thinking questions were difficult for me too. Circling key words really help put things into perspective and sometimes clarified exactly what the questions were asking. I found that I would over think things too much and look into things too in depth when the answer was sometimes obvious. Also go onto the CNO website and do the practice modules. They are on things that are relatively simple, but are worthwhile and relevant to working as a nurse in Ontario. The bottom line though is to practice everyday until the exam. Take it from someone who has failed before, you really need to study hard and you will succeed.

[careforyoujanu]

yes look for key words and avoid distraction words. I would visualize all the scenarios which helped me pick the right answer. This is good if you have lots of experience. When you visualize yourself in the room, think like a nurse and what would the best answer that a nurse would choose. This helped me because I would put myself in the picture. You must pick out the key words like someone said, ie - priority. Circle or underline them and read the question properly. The exam is fast so you can't spend too much time, but if you read it carefully you will get the answer. Use all your experiences in the clinical setting and this will help you think like a nurse

[pdemmy77]

can anyone pls give the right answer to this question with rationale?

A registered nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure who suddenly reports shortness of breath and dyspnea. The nurse takes which immediate action?

a. prepares to administer lasix

b. calls the physician

c. Administers oxygen to the client

d. Elevates the head of the clients bed

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

What do you think?

[pdemmy77]

I thought C is the answer

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

For me I would go with elevate and then Oxygen. Elevate can take seconds as can getting the Oxygen

[pdemmy77]

Thanks, when I checked the answer was D, but I don't know the rationale behind it..now I know..

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Think about it, you have someone that has developed SOB (Shortness of Breath) so what are you going to do for them to help make things a bit easy?

Sometimes oxygen may not be available so first thing would be to sit the patient up in a comfortable position then add oxygen or get oxygen if it is not readily available then ring the physician and then get ready for lasix if ordered